The Exquisite Patio Contests of Cordoba, Spain

I saw this program in a German television channel and it made me sit up, admiring and extolling its uniqueness. Cordoba city has four spring festivals during the month of May and this one is worth sharing with you. Yes, I now there are many of you who are aware of it and some may have even been there to witness the beautiful creations; however, I know there are many of us who were not aware of such intrinsic cultural sides of far-flung countries.Spain is probably famous for other things than just flowers, but the Patio Contests held in Cordoba since 1918 speaks volumes about the creative nature of the locals.

Stone columns adorned with fresh green leaves and the branches heavy with blossoms is so “pregnantly” spring, full of promises anew

The festival commences from the 2nd of May and continues till mid-May and is open to all and sundry. It is said that the beauty comes alive when the sun sets and the courtyards are lit up enticingly from secret corners.From the Roman times most of the traditional houses in Cordoba had central courtyards to beat the heat and keep the house cool in summer. Home owners planted flowering plants and other indoor plants in these courtyards so watering them helped cool the house interiors as well. People started getting more creative and did up their courtyards in unique and individual designs; soon this creativity, which lasted for ten days, became a city festival.Presently the Cordoba City Hall sponsors the Patio Contests in May and visitors get to choose the best of the numerous patios in the city. These patios or courtyards have planted flowers of different hues hanging from many different angles or arranged artistically on the ground. You might get a peek of a traditional window peeping out between white and pink jasmines or a sparkling mirror placed in an advantageous position to double the marvelous effects.

Cordoba city has four spring festivals during the month of May and this one is worth sharing with you

The patio decorations are not just flowers and plants; they also include cleverly placed artifacts of ceramics, stone mosaics and water features which add romance to the presentations. Stone columns adorned with fresh green leaves and the branches heavy with blossoms is so “pregnantly” spring, full of promises anew. And how can one forget the scents and aromas of the collection of plants in each patio, the very thought can bring the wafting aroma to you, wherever you are.I have seen flower shows and beautifully manicured gardens with layers of exotic flowers in unique designs. Bonsai gardens and ethereal Japanese gardens are also so unique to behold and wonder about the gardener’s creative skills.

Nevertheless, these personal home patios in Cordoba seem special because of the homeowners’ love for flowers, spring, their aesthetic skills and the willingness to freely share their artwork with everyone

Nevertheless, these personal home patios in Cordoba seem special because of the homeowners’ love for flowers, spring, their aesthetic skills and the willingness to freely share their artwork with everyone.